Smithsonian's National Zoo: Update On Coronavirus Positive Great Cats At The Smithsonian's National Zoo

Georgetown DC

25 September, 2021

6:01 AM

Description

Press release from Smithsonian's National Zoo: September 24, 2021 The lions and tigers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo continue to be treated for COVID-19. All tigers and three lions are eating normally and improving. Three lions are of greater concern. As their condition does not require they remain inside, staff continue to manage the cats' access to their outdoor habitats. The Zoo's COVID-19 safety and response protocols are in place and continue to be strictly followed. Animal keepers first observed decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and lethargy in several lions and tigers Sept. 11 and 12. Fecal samples for all great cats tested presumptive positive the week of Sept. 13 and final results are still pending. A presumptive positive result means initial lab test results confirm the presence of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Positive COVID-19 results are referred to as "presumptive positive" until a national laboratory validates the initial lab results. This press release was produced by Smithsonian's National Zoo. The views expressed here are the author's own.